In short, gentle rhyme, Snunit Bennet tells the story of Yuval, who, despite being exhausted from a day of fun and frolicking, can't go to sleep until he has done all the things he wants to do.
By RUTH EGLASHima lo book 88 298(photo credit: )Akavish Ichsah
(Aaaarrgghh Spider)
By Lydia Monks
Agam, NIS 54
In a children's book, it is very rare that the illustrations and storyline match each other in strength, but here, Lydia Monks has managed to find that balance. Her gorgeously illustrated story Aaaarrgghh Spider (2004) has just been translated by Ephraim Sidon and released in Hebrew by Agam Publishers.
The book's vibrant colors and comical cartoon characters flow along nicely with this simple story about a spider trying to make a family love it. The wee insect tries to prove to the house's owners that it is a great dancer, better than any of the other pets in the house; that it is a clean animal by climbing into the bath tub; and that it is independent, too. But each time, when the family members discover the spider, they scream "Aaaarrgghh, Spider!" or, in the Hebrew version, "Akavish Ichsah!"
Fed up with being unwanted, the spider moves into the garden and eventually manages to wow the family with its intricate spider webs. The family decides to adopt the spider and it is happy ever after.
Short and sweet, this story with its happy ending and stunning artwork is great for ages 4-6.
Ima, Lo Hispacti...
Mother, I did not have time…
By Snunit Bennet
Illustrations by Shlomit Yosipov
Danny Books, NIS 40
In short, gentle rhyme, Snunit Bennet tells the story of Yuval, who, despite being exhausted from a day of fun and frolicking, can't go to sleep until he has done all the things he wants to do. His eyes are tired, his leg, his arms, nose and ears have been busy all day exploring, smelling and discovering the world, so when his mother suggests it's time for bed Yuval suddenly wakes up.
He protests, saying: "But we just have another thing or two to discover, see or laugh at." But inside he is so tired that bed is just the thing he needs. His mother suggests making a list of all the things he wants to do in the morning when he awakes and pinning it to the fridge to remind him.
This lovely story, with its equally attractive artwork, is aimed at ages three through six.
Hayyim BeHallal
Living in Space
First Science Series
Danny Books, NIS 36
Part of the "First Science" series, Living in Space is an excellent introduction to any child aged five though seven who dreams of becoming an astronaut. Translated from the Usborne Beginners series, Living in Space covers subjects from "Planet Earth" through to the "Return to Earth" and everything in between. There is information on space stations, how astronauts eat and drink on board the craft and even a glossary of important words to know before embarking on a career in space. The photographs of "real" astronauts are combined with nicely drawn cartoon images to help explain the text. The words are simple and have vowels, making it easy to read for any new reader.
